In 1986, a significant increase in revenue was made possible due to a tax increase for handicapped services in St. Charles County from the Senate Bill 40 Board (now known as the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board). Many children were removed from waiting lists for services, and it became obvious that there would be a need to expand from the 6,000 square foot lease space in a shopping plaza.

In 1987, the Board of Directors voted to build a 13,000 square foot facility at our current location on Old Mill Parkway in St. Peters. Mr. Mickey Owen and his family donated the original piece of property, and with the help of a capital fund drive led by our original “Blue Ribbon” Committee, ground was broken early in 1988. By September 1988, the building was complete and expanded services began.

The number of children the agency could serve grew dramatically upon the completion of the new building. The move also allowed the agency to expand its scope of services to include services and programs for typically developing children. For years, parents of children with disabilities had shared their dreams of having their children accepted and included in activities within the community. With the increased availability of space, we could now allow our programs to be inclusive. We were now able to provide typically developing peer models for our children with special needs, as well as increase the understanding and acceptance from the children and families with typically developing children for others who may walk, talk or play differently. Child Care services were established for families with children with disabilities at the time also. The programs flourished.

In 1990, a federal mandate was passed that allowed local school districts to provide services to children who had been identified with a developmental disability ages 3 through 5. These services were to include preschool classes as well as therapeutic services. Four of the six school districts in St. Charles County elected to contract with us to provide these services. With this development, United Services needed to add on an additional 11,250 square foot building to provide comprehensive services. In addition, the 1990 laws required each state to establish a program called First Steps. This program identified children with disabilities at birth and supported contracts with area agencies for therapy and educational services. By marketing to local pediatricians, children’s hospitals and school district organizations, the agency saw a significant increase in the number of clients served in this age group also.

In 1994, the agency again added to our current facility. Since our inclusive program had worked so well on the educational side, the Board determined that we should be offering Child Care services on an inclusive basis also, not just serving those families who had children with special needs. In addition to the Child Care rooms, we added an additional playground, an indoor playroom, and a kitchen.

The agency again saw tremendous growth once the addition was complete. As we continued to serve more children, it became apparent that we would AGAIN need to add to our facility. In 1998, the board decided to add 17,000 square feet, including 11 classrooms, several conference areas, an indoor play area, and an office area. The final phase of this construction was to add an additional kitchen as well as an indoor “romper room” for the Child Care program. The current facility on Old Mill Parkway contains 18 classrooms, 30 bathrooms, three indoor play areas, one specialized motor development room, three speech therapy classrooms, multiple conference rooms and three office areas. We also have four playgrounds with state of the art equipment and surfacing that encourages children of all abilities to participate in play activities.

After many years of planning, hoping and dreaming, the Board of Directors decided in 2003 to expand services to the western portion of St. Charles County. Plans for a second site took center stage, and the 38,000 square foot facility located in Dardenne Prairie was complete in July 2004.

Located just north of Winghaven, the site was chosen for its proximity to growing communities in the county, and to the school districts of Wentzville and Fort Zumwalt. The new building is full service providing preschool, special education, therapy and Child Care programs. United Services West has 15 classrooms, two indoor play areas, a motor development room and two outdoor play area. With this new space, the agency will be able to serve an additional 400 children in our community.

With two great facilities and a wonderful staff of 200 dedicated men and women, United Services looks back with pride at 30 years of helping children, and looks forward to a bright future.